In Belgium

Unlike France, Belgium does not have a separate legal regime for furnished rentals. The furnished lease follows the same legal framework as the unfurnished lease: 9-year duration, same notice rules, same tenant protections.

The difference relates to two practical points:

  • The furniture inventory: detailed list of all furniture and equipment provided, appended to the lease. Each item is described with its condition.
  • The rent: typically 10 to 20% higher to cover furniture depreciation.

Furnished rentals are common for student accommodation, expatriates and short to medium-term lets.

The replacement of furniture that becomes defective through normal wear (mattress worn out after 5 years, fridge at end of life) remains the landlord’s responsibility.

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Good to know
The indicative rent grid in Brussels does not account for furniture. A rent above the indicative range can be justified by the presence of quality furniture and equipment.

Practical example

An American expatriate rents a furnished apartment in Brussels for 2 years. Rent: 1,200 EUR/month (vs 1,000 EUR unfurnished). The inventory lists 85 items. At departure, 3 items are missing (180 EUR deduction from the rental guarantee).